Gemotions

The music throbbed, a relentless beat that echoed the ache in Maya’s bones. Every forced smile felt like a physical exertion, each attempt at a cheerful greeting a monumental task. The floral arrangements, vibrant and overflowing, were a reminder of all the beauty she couldn’t appreciate.

She spotted Liam near the bar, looking taller and more put together than she remembered. He was laughing at something someone said, his face animated, something she hadn’t seen in a long time. She felt a wave of nausea, followed by a dizzying sense of detachment.

Her hands were clammy, and she felt a strong impulse to vanish. She feigned interest in the color of the tablecloth, wanting to be anywhere but where she was. She excused herself to the bathroom, needing a moment of silence away from the constant noise.